Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread

[MuggsyB]

Hannibal stayed there circa 200 BC.

Have you already made your hotel and flight arrangements?  Will you rent a car?  Ty. 

[MuggsyB]

Has anyone ever flown Turkish Airlines?  Ty. 

[MuggsyB]

Hannibal stayed there circa 200 BC.

The Kempinski in Gozo looks fabulous as well.  Very reasonable in September. 

[WarriorFan]

Has anyone ever flown Turkish Airlines?  Ty. 

If you are flying economy it's pretty packed and can be very basic.  Better than most American Airlines but that's like saying dog sh1t smells better than horse sh1t.  They are both still sh1t. 
In biz class their cabin product varies tremendously.  They have some 2-2-2, some 1-2-1, and some 2-3-2 configurations, so you really need to research and decide if what you are getting is worth the spend. 
One of the lowest ratios of toilets to seats of all airlines, and one of the highest ratios of cabin crew to seats.  For the 2 hours prior to landing, the cabin crew use all the toilets to "freshen up".  Very annoying.. but it happens every time I fly them. 
Also if you are in biz class, other than nice lounges, there are no boarding benefits (no separate queue) and when they use a bus, there is no separate bus... which means there are no arrival/immigration advantages in terms of getting there first and possibly having shorter wait times.

If you are going somewhere Turkish goes, consider Qatar and Etihad.  Even Emirates is better, although they have the same problems with inconsistent cabin product. Lots of folks still avoiding the Middle East but I was in DXB last week and it was packed like usual.   

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Have you already made your hotel and flight arrangements?  Will you rent a car?  Ty. 

I cashed Delta miles.  Delta has a direct flight from Malta to JFK.  I'm arriving there from Poland after visiting the inlaws so I'm flying direct to Malta from Warsaw.

Booked a hotel in my price range with great ratings on Booking.com.

Was not planning a car rental. 

[MuggsyB]

If you are flying economy it's pretty packed and can be very basic.  Better than most American Airlines but that's like saying dog sh1t smells better than horse sh1t.  They are both still sh1t. 
In biz class their cabin product varies tremendously.  They have some 2-2-2, some 1-2-1, and some 2-3-2 configurations, so you really need to research and decide if what you are getting is worth the spend. 
One of the lowest ratios of toilets to seats of all airlines, and one of the highest ratios of cabin crew to seats.  For the 2 hours prior to landing, the cabin crew use all the toilets to "freshen up".  Very annoying.. but it happens every time I fly them. 
Also if you are in biz class, other than nice lounges, there are no boarding benefits (no separate queue) and when they use a bus, there is no separate bus... which means there are no arrival/immigration advantages in terms of getting there first and possibly having shorter wait times.

If you are going somewhere Turkish goes, consider Qatar and Etihad.  Even Emirates is better, although they have the same problems with inconsistent cabin product. Lots of folks still avoiding the Middle East but I was in DXB last week and it was packed like usual.   

Thank you very much.  There's a direct flight fron SFO to Istanbul and I was considering it on my way to Malta in Sept.  But maybe I should fly United via Rome or London.  I hate Heathrow.

[MuggsyB]

I cashed Delta miles.  Delta has a direct flight from Malta to JFK.  I'm arriving there from Poland after visiting the inlaws so I'm flying direct to Malta from Warsaw.

Booked a hotel in my price range with great ratings on Booking.com.

Was not planning a car rental. 

I think I'm probably gonna rent a car for part of my stay from everything I've read.  I thoroughly enjoyed Krakow, but didn't explore Warsaw. 

[pbiflyer]

Thank you very much.  There's a direct flight fron SFO to Istanbul and I was considering it on my way to Malta in Sept.  But maybe I should fly United via Rome or London.  I hate Heathrow.

I was going to pull the trigger on a similar routing to Prague, doing a layover in Istanbul. Opted for shorter routing on American for similar pricing.
I did fly them IST-PRG, well tried to anyway. Weather and a new captain with not enough hours made us divert to BER. Bus ride sucked. Oh and no wifi so first I found out we landed in Berlin was when I turned my phone back on. Only flight diverted that day.

[MuggsyB]

I was going to pull the trigger on a similar routing to Prague, doing a layover in Istanbul. Opted for shorter routing on American for similar pricing.
I did fly them IST-PRG, well tried to anyway. Weather and a new captain with not enough hours made us divert to BER. Bus ride sucked. Oh and no wifi so first I found out we landed in Berlin was when I turned my phone back on. Only flight diverted that day.

You're the man, PBI.  I think I will explore other options even though they're cheaper and I can maybe use Star Alliance miles.  Who knows what could happen to me if I'm diverted to the wrong place in my comfy MU gear.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I think I'm probably gonna rent a car for part of my stay from everything I've read.  I thoroughly enjoyed Krakow, but didn't explore Warsaw. 

You mentioned scuba diving so I assume you have gear and a rental car in Malta sounds easier.

Krakow is my family favorite.  I've visited 5 times. 
The wife and I had an early flight to Norway last summer so we spent a night in Warsaw for the first time in 20 years.  We wish we had more time.  What a dramatic change.  They made the entrance to the Old Town pedestrian only.  Everything in the Old Town area looks great and loaded with shops and restaurants that were not there earlier.   

[pbiflyer]

You're the man, PBI.  I think I will explore other options even though they're cheaper and I can maybe use Star Alliance miles.  Who knows what could happen to me if I'm diverted to the wrong place in my comfy MU gear.

I did not wear my MU gear at the Istanbul airport. Heard some unpleasant stories about people that did. 

[JWags85]

Wags,
Any restaurant recommendations?
My wife is a pescatarian.  We have a reservation at O'Sole Rooftop Garden.  Need two more restaurants. 

We booked an full day on and off an air conditioned min-van to Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, Kalanka Bay, Tarxien Temples.

We also have a half day boat tour to Gozo & Comino: Blue Lagoon, Sea Caves where we get to swim and paddleboard as part of it.

I'm trying to remember the restaurant we ate at in the harbor near St Julian's, but it was fantastic.  Honestly, as a pescatarian, she will thrive.  Very seafood heavy all over.  For most of our meals we just strolled near the water, looked at menus/spoke to the host, and sat. There is a beautiful restaurant, just across the harbor from where the boats/ferries dock on Gozo, called one80, that is wonderful.  It was brand new at the time, 7-8 years ago, so it was not very busy and quite reasonable, but given that its still there now and post-COVID, I imagine its quite successful and maybe not the same.

You'll love the boat tour.  They are all a bit touristy, but the Blue Lagoon is truly worth it and the caves are incredibly cool.  We didn't get to paddleboard, but had an amazing time otherwise.  Also, speaking of the Blue Lagoon, another of my core Malta memories that impressed me so much.  Its a VERY touristy spot.  Tons of little stands/kiosks selling food or trinkets or beach stuff, but it was the most friendly, helpful, and non-intrusive setting for such stuff that I've ever encountered.  We had 2 different sellers offer to take pictures for us (including an incredible one that still hangs on the wall in our hallway) and both times, not only was there no expectation of a tip or quid pro quo for the help, they asked if we needed any help or had any questions before wishing us well and returning to their shop as soon as we were good.  It was so incredibly refreshing compared to so many other European tourist trap atmospheres.

So, you didn't drive within Malta?  I was gonna ask you about the ferry to Gozo and driving in general.

And no, we didn't.  We didn't want to deal with parking and navigation and the like.  Malta didn't have Uber at the time (not sure if its still true), but they had Bolt and cars were plentiful and cheap so we utilized that frequently.  From talking to the concierge and hotel staff, if you wanted someone to drive you around the island on a big loop, given its small size, thats a rather easy thing to explain and find a willing driver.

[JWags85]

Thank you very much.  There's a direct flight fron SFO to Istanbul and I was considering it on my way to Malta in Sept.  But maybe I should fly United via Rome or London.  I hate Heathrow.

I'm a United loyalist given my history and use of status benefits for my international travel, but if you're not chasing status, I'd definitely lean towards Turkish.  Better food, better FAs, etc... 

Also Heathrow is 100% better than FCO, especially if transiting on United.  And both of my flights to and from FCO to Malta were significantly delayed, and speaking to airport people at the time, it was incredibly common.

[dgies9156]

I think I'm probably gonna rent a car for part of my stay from everything I've read.  I thoroughly enjoyed Krakow, but didn't explore Warsaw. 

Been to Warsaw twice. Though it was many years ago, I found the Poles to be the friendliest, most open people in Europe. Warsaw was interesting, especially the rebuilt old quarter and the red city hall.

The food was great, if you like Central/Eastern European cuisine. But the Burger King hamburger (after 10 days in Ukraine, I wanted something "American") was terrible. Bad beef.

Will never forget being scolded in Warsaw in Polish by two older Polish ladies appalled by the fact that on a 60 degree day, our one-year-old son had no hat!

[MuggsyB]

I'm trying to remember the restaurant we ate at in the harbor near St Julian's, but it was fantastic.  Honestly, as a pescatarian, she will thrive.  Very seafood heavy all over.  For most of our meals we just strolled near the water, looked at menus/spoke to the host, and sat. There is a beautiful restaurant, just across the harbor from where the boats/ferries dock on Gozo, called one80, that is wonderful.  It was brand new at the time, 7-8 years ago, so it was not very busy and quite reasonable, but given that its still there now and post-COVID, I imagine its quite successful and maybe not the same.

You'll love the boat tour.  They are all a bit touristy, but the Blue Lagoon is truly worth it and the caves are incredibly cool.  We didn't get to paddleboard, but had an amazing time otherwise.  Also, speaking of the Blue Lagoon, another of my core Malta memories that impressed me so much.  Its a VERY touristy spot.  Tons of little stands/kiosks selling food or trinkets or beach stuff, but it was the most friendly, helpful, and non-intrusive setting for such stuff that I've ever encountered.  We had 2 different sellers offer to take pictures for us (including an incredible one that still hangs on the wall in our hallway) and both times, not only was there no expectation of a tip or quid pro quo for the help, they asked if we needed any help or had any questions before wishing us well and returning to their shop as soon as we were good.  It was so incredibly refreshing compared to so many other European tourist trap atmospheres.

And no, we didn't.  We didn't want to deal with parking and navigation and the like.  Malta didn't have Uber at the time (not sure if its still true), but they had Bolt and cars were plentiful and cheap so we utilized that frequently.  From talking to the concierge and hotel staff, if you wanted someone to drive you around the island on a big loop, given its small size, thats a rather easy thing to explain and find a willing driver.

I'm trying to remember the restaurant we ate at in the harbor near St Julian's, but it was fantastic.  Honestly, as a pescatarian, she will thrive.  Very seafood heavy all over.  For most of our meals we just strolled near the water, looked at menus/spoke to the host, and sat. There is a beautiful restaurant, just across the harbor from where the boats/ferries dock on Gozo, called one80, that is wonderful.  It was brand new at the time, 7-8 years ago, so it was not very busy and quite reasonable, but given that its still there now and post-COVID, I imagine its quite successful and maybe not the same.

You'll love the boat tour.  They are all a bit touristy, but the Blue Lagoon is truly worth it and the caves are incredibly cool.  We didn't get to paddleboard, but had an amazing time otherwise.  Also, speaking of the Blue Lagoon, another of my core Malta memories that impressed me so much.  Its a VERY touristy spot.  Tons of little stands/kiosks selling food or trinkets or beach stuff, but it was the most friendly, helpful, and non-intrusive setting for such stuff that I've ever encountered.  We had 2 different sellers offer to take pictures for us (including an incredible one that still hangs on the wall in our hallway) and both times, not only was there no expectation of a tip or quid pro quo for the help, they asked if we needed any help or had any questions before wishing us well and returning to their shop as soon as we were good.  It was so incredibly refreshing compared to so many other European tourist trap atmospheres.

And no, we didn't.  We didn't want to deal with parking and navigation and the like.  Malta didn't have Uber at the time (not sure if its still true), but they had Bolt and cars were plentiful and cheap so we utilized that frequently.  From talking to the concierge and hotel staff, if you wanted someone to drive you around the island on a big loop, given its small size, thats a rather easy thing to explain and find a willing driver.

Hmmm....maybe I'll hire a chauffeur. 

[MuggsyB]

I'm a United loyalist given my history and use of status benefits for my international travel, but if you're not chasing status, I'd definitely lean towards Turkish.  Better food, better FAs, etc... 

Also Heathrow is 100% better than FCO, especially if transiting on United.  And both of my flights to and from FCO to Malta were significantly delayed, and speaking to airport people at the time, it was incredibly common.

Sounds like you think Turkish Air B-Class is solid.  I have a lot of United miles, but I'm sure you're aware of hiw they double mile you or more for certain routes.  Any thoughts on the Istanbul airport?

[WarriorFan]

Sounds like you think Turkish Air B-Class is solid.  I have a lot of United miles, but I'm sure you're aware of hiw they double mile you or more for certain routes.  Any thoughts on the Istanbul airport?

New IST is huge.  Just huge.  Everything works and the Turkish lounges are quite nice.  But the size is just unreal.  I don't mind it but for anyone who doesn't get around easily the walks can be extremely long.  Think BKK x 5. 

[MuggsyB]

New IST is huge.  Just huge.  Everything works and the Turkish lounges are quite nice.  But the size is just unreal.  I don't mind it but for anyone who doesn't get around easily the walks can be extremely long.  Think BKK x 5. 

Ty.  I don't mind that at all.  It gives me space to zoom by the slow people. 

[JWags85]

Sounds like you think Turkish Air B-Class is solid.  I have a lot of United miles, but I'm sure you're aware of hiw they double mile you or more for certain routes.  Any thoughts on the Istanbul airport?

Yea its great.  And I totally get WarriorFan's perspective on the variations in seating/hard product based on aircraft type, but I think he's been far more susceptible to that with his European/ME centric travel.  As far as Ive heard, the long haul flights from the US (ORD/SFO to IST) seem to all be Boeing 787 or A350s, which are updated with the good seats (1-2-1 with direct aisle access).  Just make sure to look that its not randomly a 777, which was the older 2-3-2 configuration.

As for IST...

New IST is huge.  Just huge.  Everything works and the Turkish lounges are quite nice.  But the size is just unreal.  I don't mind it but for anyone who doesn't get around easily the walks can be extremely long.  Think BKK x 5. 

Was literally my first thought.  Its ENORMOUS.  We had a 3 hour layover, so it wasn't an issue, but its just massive and cavernous.  Great lounges, great dining/shopping areas, but just a huge overall airport.  Far worse places to connect.

[WarriorFan]

Yea its great.  And I totally get WarriorFan's perspective on the variations in seating/hard product based on aircraft type, but I think he's been far more susceptible to that with his European/ME centric travel.  As far as Ive heard, the long haul flights from the US (ORD/SFO to IST) seem to all be Boeing 787 or A350s, which are updated with the good seats (1-2-1 with direct aisle access).  Just make sure to look that it's not randomly a 777, which was the older 2-3-2 configuration.

One of their ORD flights - the one that connects me well to Africa - is 2-3-2... hence the distaste.

[MuggsyB]

Yea its great.  And I totally get WarriorFan's perspective on the variations in seating/hard product based on aircraft type, but I think he's been far more susceptible to that with his European/ME centric travel.  As far as Ive heard, the long haul flights from the US (ORD/SFO to IST) seem to all be Boeing 787 or A350s, which are updated with the good seats (1-2-1 with direct aisle access).  Just make sure to look that its not randomly a 777, which was the older 2-3-2 configuration.

As for IST...

Was literally my first thought.  Its ENORMOUS.  We had a 3 hour layover, so it wasn't an issue, but its just massive and cavernous.  Great lounges, great dining/shopping areas, but just a huge overall airport.  Far worse places to connect.

Ty, JWags.  It gives me a few things to think about before I usurp my tickets. 

[MU82]

Ty, JWags.  It gives me a few things to think about before I usurp my tickets. 

For a person who uses the word incessantly, you really have no earthly idea what "usurp" means, do you?

[pbiflyer]

For a person who uses the word incessantly, you really have no earthly idea what "usurp" means, do you?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zWld721Wk-Q&pp=ygUjamVmZSBkbyB5b3Uga25vdyB3aGF0IGEgcGxldGhvcmEgaXM%3D&ra=m

[MuggsyB]

For a person who uses the word incessantly, you really have no earthly idea what "usurp" means, do you?

Of course I know what it means.  I usurp life!  I was a preemie and weighed only 1.5 lbs at birth.  Stop attacking my use of language and hyperbolic skills. 

[MU82]

Thanks for confirming that you don't know.